Birth Defects

The NJDOH maintains a confidential registry of children with birth defects and special health care needs, and children who are at-risk of developing such needs. State law mandates reporting to the Special Child Health Services (SCHS) Registry any infant or child with a birth defect diagnosed from birth to five years of age. The SCHS Registry (sometimes referred to as the New Jersey Birth Defects Registry) annually receives approximately 10,000 registrations. The New Jersey SCHS Registry serves as a primary link to case management services. More on birth defects and human healthWhat Information Does the EPHT Network Contain About Birth Defects in New Jersey?

The NJ EPHT program maintains summary information on selected birth defects affecting New Jersey children. The data were originally gathered by the NJDOH Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services Program, and include counts of children with selected birth defects for the State of New Jersey.

Anencephaly:

Anencephaly is a developmental disorder that occurs when the neural tube fails to close, usually between the 23rd and 26th day of pregnancy, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp.

Transposition of the great arteries is a heart defect present at birth, in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. The condition changes the way blood circulates through the body, leaving a shortage of oxygenated blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body.

If you would like additional information about birth defects and related intervention services, please contact the NJ State Department of Health, Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services, PO Box 364, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0364, or call (609)777-7778.